STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IKR002V4B

Overview

STEVAL-IKR002V4B from STMicroelectronics is an SPIRIT1-based 868 MHz RF daughterboard evaluation module featuring integrated BALF-SPI-01D3 balun/matching/filter, -120 dBm receiver sensitivity, 1–500 kbps air data rate, 9 mA RX / 21 mA TX current, and AES-128 encryption co-processor - designed for wireless M-BUS metering systems.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IKR002V4B datasheet, STEVAL-IKR002V4B pinout, STEVAL-IKR002V4B application, or STEVAL-IKR002V4B equivalent, this board delivers verified sub-GHz RF performance with minimal external components, SPI interface compatibility with STM32L MCUs, and production-ready RF layout validation for ISM-band low-power IoT endpoints.

Technical Context

The STEVAL-IKR002V4B implements the SPIRIT1 transceiver (ST's single-chip sub-GHz solution) in a daughterboard form factor, supporting 2-FSK/GFSK/MSK/GMSK/OOK/ASK modulation schemes and automatic packet handling including ACK/retransmission timeout. It operates in the 868/915 MHz ISM bands with factory-tuned BALF-SPI-01D3 RF front-end integration.

Board-level design centers on RF optimization: the BALF-SPI-01D3 replaces 16 discrete passive components with one matched balun+filter+matching network, enabling compact layout, repeatable impedance control (50 Ω antenna port), and consistent -120 dBm sensitivity across production units without RF calibration.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IKR002V4B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless M-BUS metering, smart utility endpoint development, and sub-GHz IoT sensor node prototyping requiring stable component supply and validated RF reference design.

Supply support for STEVAL-IKR002V4B includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, delivering microcontrollers, analog ICs, power solutions, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate RF subsystem validation and firmware development for sub-GHz wireless communication in utility infrastructure and energy monitoring systems.

FAQ

What microcontrollers are compatible with the STEVAL-IKR002V4B?

The board is natively supported by STM32L-series MCUs via its 4-wire SPI interface (CSn, SCLK, SDI, SDO) and GPIO control lines (GPIO0–GPIO3). Firmware examples and GUI tools provided by ST target STM32L0/L1/L4 families, but any MCU with configurable SPI master and GPIO interrupt capability can interface using the documented SPIRIT1 register map.

Does the STEVAL-IKR002V4B include an antenna?

No, the board does not integrate a PCB antenna or connector for external antennas. It features a 50 Ω RF output pad (labeled "ANT") designed for direct soldering to a chip antenna or connection to an IPEX/U.FL connector via custom carrier board routing - matching is handled entirely by the BALF-SPI-01D3 balun module.

Can the STEVAL-IKR002V4B operate in the 433 MHz band?

No - this revision (V4B) is specifically tuned for 868/915 MHz operation using the BALF-SPI-01D3 component. Other variants (e.g., STEVAL-IKR002V3 for 433 MHz) exist with different balun and matching networks; substituting components on V4B will invalidate RF performance and regulatory compliance.

Is the AES-128 encryption engine accessible through the SPI interface?

Yes - the SPIRIT1 transceiver's embedded AES-128 co-processor is controlled via dedicated SPI registers (e.g., CYPHER_KEY, CYPHER_IV, CYPHER_CTRL). Encryption/decryption is performed in hardware on payload data before transmission or after reception, with key storage isolated from main MCU memory per ST's security architecture.